Top TVET Colleges Offering Transcription and Secretarial Courses in Kenya

Q: What typing speed is required for secretarial jobs in Kenya?

Most Kenyan secretarial job advertisements specify 40 to 60 words per minute as the minimum typing speed requirement. Government positions often require 50 words per minute minimum. Shorthand speeds of 80 to 120 words per minute are required for positions that include traditional shorthand transcription.

Q: Is shorthand still taught and used in Kenya?

Yes — shorthand remains relevant for legal, government, and parliamentary work where verbatim records are required. Modern alternatives (audio recording and computer-aided transcription) are also used, but formal shorthand training is still offered and still valued by traditional employers like courts, government offices, and law firms.

Q: Can I work as a medical transcriptionist in Kenya with a secretarial certificate?

A secretarial certificate provides a starting foundation. Medical transcription also requires knowledge of medical terminology, which is covered in specialized medical transcription short courses. Adding a medical terminology short course to your secretarial certificate creates a specialized qualification that hospitals, medical practices, and medical transcription companies value.

Q: What is the salary for secretaries in Kenya?

Entry-level secretarial positions in Kenya pay KSh 18,000 to KSh 35,000 per month. Executive assistants in corporate and NGO settings earn KSh 40,000 to KSh 80,000. Government secretarial grades follow civil service pay scales starting at around KSh 25,000 for entry positions. Private sector senior executive assistants with strong language and organizational skills earn above KSh 100,000 in some organizations.

Q: Is online transcription work viable from Kenya?

Yes — Rev.com, TranscribeMe, and similar platforms actively hire Kenyan English speakers. Requirements typically include: a typing test, accuracy assessment, and a reliable internet connection. Average earnings on these platforms range from KSh 10,000 to KSh 40,000 per month depending on hours worked and accuracy level. Transcription income is often used as supplementary income alongside regular employment.

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Secretarial and transcription work remains consistently in demand across Kenya’s business, legal, medical, and government sectors. Choosing an accredited TVET institution ensures your certificate is recognized by employers across these sectors.

What Transcription and Secretarial Programs Cover

Modern secretarial and business administration programs in Kenya typically cover: keyboard skills and typing speed, shorthand and transcription (audio and written), office management and administration, business communication, document management and records, customer service, basic ICT (Microsoft Office, email, internet), and business mathematics. The transcription component may include legal transcription, medical transcription, and general audio typing — each with distinct employer markets.

Top Institutions for Secretarial and Transcription Training

Nairobi Technical Training Institute (NTTI) — Government polytechnic offering Business and Secretarial programs at Artisan, Craft, and Diploma levels. KNEC-accredited. Kenya School of Government — Government institution with strong public sector secretarial programs. Strathmore Business School — Premium private option with strong corporate sector placement. KCA University — Recognized business programs including secretarial and office management. Kabete Technical Training Institute — Government polytechnic with business and secretarial programs. County TVET colleges — Secretarial programs are available at most county colleges at the most affordable fees (KSh 10,000 to KSh 25,000/year).

Fee Ranges

County TVET: KSh 10,000 to KSh 25,000/year. Government national polytechnics: KSh 20,000 to KSh 45,000/year. Private colleges: KSh 40,000 to KSh 100,000/year. Programs take 1 year (Artisan), 2 years (Craft Certificate), or 2 to 3 years (Diploma) depending on level.

💡 Tip: Keyboard speed and accuracy is the most directly testable secretarial skill in interviews. Practice typing daily during your training — most secretarial job interviews include a timed typing test, and a speed of 40 to 60 words per minute with high accuracy is the minimum expected by formal employers.

Career Opportunities After Secretarial Training

Trained secretaries and transcriptionists find employment in: government ministries and county offices (significant demand for trained secretaries), law firms (legal transcription and firm administration), hospitals and clinics (medical records and transcription), corporates and NGOs (executive assistants and office administrators), and media companies (audio transcription for journalism and research).

Online Transcription Opportunities

Trained transcriptionists increasingly find work on international remote platforms including Rev.com, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript that hire Kenyan English speakers for audio and video transcription. These platforms pay per minute of audio transcribed (typically $0.45 to $1.50 per minute) and can provide supplementary or full-time income for skilled typists with reliable internet access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What typing speed is required for secretarial jobs in Kenya?▼

Is shorthand still taught and used in Kenya?▼

Can I work as a medical transcriptionist in Kenya with a secretarial certificate?▼

What is the salary for secretaries in Kenya?▼

Is online transcription work viable from Kenya?▼

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Written by Theophilus Mburu

Theophilus Mburu is a dedicated dentist and a contributing writer at Edunotes, bringing a unique blend of scientific insight and creativity to the blog. Beyond the clinic, he enjoys immersing himself in video games and exploring music, adding a fresh and relatable perspective to his content.